Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka is rich in folklore compared to other States in the country, said noted Folklore expert Dr. P.K. Rajashekar here yesterday.

Speaking after inaugurating a programme titled ‘Sharanende Bhoomi Taayige,’ organised by Karnataka Janapada Academy at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises, Dr. Rajashekar said that the State Government must provide funds to safeguard the folk arts and Academy as it has become difficult to protect the folk arts owing to lack of funds.

Stating that the Academy must initiate measures to publish about various folk arts, he said that there were many old proverbs, puzzles, stories, historical and mythological stories, food among other which needs to be researched and documented.

“There are about 18 different family vocations which are found in rural areas. These have to be recorded and published,” he said and added that it was a proud matter that epics such as Manteswamy, Mahadeshwara, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Gunjappa, Yellamma Devi among others were published from our State.

Karnataka Janapada Academy President Dr. Gollahalli Shivaprasad, Registrar N. Namratha, Department of Women and Child Welfare former Director Muniraju, Academy Member Mysore Umesh, Devananda Varaprasad and Convenor Mysuru G. Gururaj were present.